Authorities in Hyderabad have arrested four people for allegedly producing adulterated ginger garlic paste in unhygienic conditions during a raid conducted by the Commissioner’s Task Force.
The operation was carried out by the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner’s Task Force, Secunderabad Zone Team, along with Lallaguda Police Station personnel at a godown located near Jana Priya Apartments in Lalapet.
Police identified the accused as Neela Venkateswaralu, the owner of the unit, along with supervisor K. Vinod and workers T. Sathish and M. Shivani. Investigators said the group was preparing ginger garlic paste in unsanitary conditions and allegedly mixing chemicals, including acetic acid, to extend shelf life and increase profits.
According to officials, the paste was stored in plastic tubs for several days before being packed into plastic containers with fake labels and manipulated date stamps. The packaged products were reportedly distributed to nearby kirana stores in different parts of the city.
During the raid, authorities seized approximately 1,915 kilograms of ginger garlic paste, along with raw materials, 30 kilograms of acetic acid, Packing materials, Fake labels, Date stamps, Weighing and Packing machines and a grinding and mixing machine used in the production process.
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Lallaguda Police Station. Further investigation is currently underway to identify distribution networks and determine whether more outlets were involved in selling the adulterated food products.
Officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to curb food adulteration and protect public health in the city.
